[pct-l] Advice to a beginner about crossing Sierras

[Ken Murray]

It is doable.  However, having just got back from Whitney Portal, and having seen my friend Laura's pictures of her solo ski trip into the Evolution Basin a week ago....you are talking about a serious snow trip, in which you are not likely to see much dirt on this trip.  Ned's recon demonstrated the microspikes just didn't help.  It snowed yesterday, throughout the Sierra, meaning that the melt is delayed, again.  So...if you are not prepared physically and mentally for a snow travel and snow camping expedition, undertanding off-trail navigation, dealing with sub=zero temps, dealing with avalanche issues, and being absolutely totally alone.....This is not the time to do it.  For highly experienced people, it would be a great trip.  For "beginners", it has the makings of an epic. 

Pictures from a week ago:

 https://picasaweb.google.com/101300327436768508374/2011TransSierra#

Best of luck, whatever you decide to do.

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Hey everyone.  My friends and I are eager to section hike from Walker Pass to Echo Lake, California, starting in a week.  Reading about all the crazy snow conditions is making us hesitant about this plan.  We have ice axes and kahtoola microspikes, but little to no snow hiking experience.  In your wise and all-knowing opinion, is it doable for us to hike through the Sierra's this year?  Or would it just be too dangerous to risk?  Would you recommend pushing the trip south and hiking through the desert, instead?  Thanks all!  Happy hiking.